For years, the narrative around Gen Z and faith has been one of decline. But a closer look at new data from Barna Group and the American Bible Society reveals something unexpected: Gen Z men are now more religiously engaged than their female peers—and they’re driving a quiet resurgence in church participation.
Barna’s State of the Church 2025 report shows that commitment to Jesus among Gen Z men has risen sharply in recent years, increasing from 52% in 2019 to 67% in 2025. Weekly church attendance has also favored young men since 2022, reversing a decades-long pattern in which women were more likely to attend church regularly.
This shift extends to other areas of spiritual practice as well. According to the American Bible Society’s latest State of the Bible report, Bible use among men increased 19% from 2024 to 2025, narrowing the historic gender gap in Scripture engagement.
David Kinnaman, CEO of Barna Group, called the trend “the clearest indication of spiritual renewal in the U.S. in more than a decade,” noting that this is the first time Barna has recorded such sustained spiritual interest being led by younger generations.
“This generation has been shaped by uncertainty,” he said. “They’re asking deep questions about purpose, identity, community. And some are finding those answers in faith.”
What’s drawing young men back to church appears to be more existential than institutional. Researchers point to a broader social context: Gen Z men are reporting higher levels of disconnection, isolation, and uncertainty about their futures. Many struggle with dating, forming friendships, or finding stable paths toward adulthood. For some, the church offers a sense of stability, belonging, and clarity that’s difficult to find elsewhere.
According to Kinnaman, much of the interest in Jesus among Gen Z men is happening outside traditional Christian identity.
“We’re seeing interest in Jesus growing among those who do not otherwise describe themselves as Christians,” he said. “Many of the new followers of Jesus are not just recycled believers. They’re encountering faith as something new.”
At the same time, young women—who historically formed the backbone of many church communities—are increasingly stepping away. The Survey Center on American Life reports that 54% of Gen Z adults who left their formative religion are women, compared to 46% who are men. That imbalance could present challenges for churches hoping to sustain the current momentum.
Researchers note that while many young men are turning to church now, their continued engagement may depend in part on whether they find meaningful community there. Historically, churches have often struggled to offer spaces where men feel emotionally supported and relationally connected. If those needs go unmet, there’s a risk that this surge in participation will be short-lived.
Some churches are responding by creating ministries designed to help young men grow holistically—not only in their knowledge of Scripture but in their emotional intelligence, leadership, and relational maturity. Others are investing in mentorship programs, internships, and discipleship tracks aimed at forming stronger spiritual habits and a deeper understanding of Christian identity.
There is also growing awareness that creating healthy, welcoming environments for women is essential to maintaining balanced, sustainable church communities. If young men are returning to church in search of purpose and connection, but young women don’t feel equally seen or valued, the relational ecosystem that supports growth and belonging may begin to fray.
“This is a really important moment for us to stop and pay attention,” Kinnaman said. “This is the first time—maybe ever—that women are not starting with a head start in their spiritual journeys. And we need to ask why.”
Church leaders are watching the trend closely. While the data signals renewed spiritual openness among young men, the long-term impact is still uncertain. If churches are able to meet this generation’s hunger for meaning with authentic community and substantive discipleship, some believe it could mark the beginning of a larger shift in religious engagement among Gen Z.
“Gen Z is asking the right questions,” says Levi Lusko, pastor of Fresh Life Church. “They’re holding leaders accountable. They’re pushing for integrity. They’re not settling for a watered-down version of faith. That means they care.”
Others remain more cautious, pointing out that while stated commitment to Jesus has risen, overall church attendance and self-identification as Christian are still below pre-pandemic levels. The path ahead will depend on how churches respond—not just to the numbers, but to the underlying needs those numbers reflect.
“The question isn’t whether Gen Z is interested in Jesus,” Kinnman said. “It’s whether the church is prepared to disciple them in a way that is emotionally intelligent, culturally responsive, and deeply rooted in Scripture.”
Whether this signals a lasting revival or a temporary spike, one thing is clear: Gen Z men are showing up. What happens next depends largely on how the church shows up in return.
